B1370

One Small Fissure, One Thousand Shards of Glass

Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition

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One Small Fissure, One Thousand Shards of Glass

Viewed through a highly filtered and romanticized lens, the world’s perception of an activist often remains idealized, much akin to the glorification of modern superheroes and literary paragons. However, not every civil advocate falls into this spectrum of limelight and critical acclaim - Henrietta Bell Wells chief among them. The first female member of the revolutionary debate team in Marshall, Texas, Wells and her courageous feats of rhetoric remained widely unknown until ’s film The Great Debaters highlighted her role as an intellectual trailblazer (The Great Debaters). Yet, even before such public recognition, Wells, with humility, subtlety, and unassuming grace, challenged the societal constructs of Depression-era Texas and quietly forged the way for future minorities, championing the rights of , lobbying for women’s liberty, and pushing for self-expression through education.

From life’s first gossamer breath, Mrs. Wells’ innate ties to her African American heritage provided the ideal platform for standing with her community against systematic discrimination and oppression. Born on October 11, 1912 in Houston’s Fifth Ward along the

Buffalo Bayou, Henrietta Pauline Bell “was raised by a hard-pressed single mother from the

West Indies” (Roe 1; Martin 2). Wells’ humble origins, rooted within a historically black working class neighborhood, allowed her to experience firsthand the prejudice-fueled injustices of pre-civil rights America as well as the hardships that accompanied everyday life in Jim Crow era Texas. The daughter of an unmarried Caribbean woman, Wells faced yet another form of social adversity, as during her adolescent years, monetary resources remained undoubtedly tight for the small, underprivileged family. Nevertheless, such difficulties provided the ideal circumstances for Mrs. Wells’ spirit of perseverance to shine through, and the future debater

2 always kept a rebuttal prepared for the berating hate and intolerance. Still, residing in the southern United States as a young African American woman during such a racially charged time period placed the perpetual burden of inequality upon Wells’ shoulders. In an interview, she recalled “being unable to try on clothes in stores and failing a voter registration test” (Bryant

“Debate Film” 3). These seemingly mundane activities, now taken for granted as such, once served as insurmountable barriers of bigotry for Wells. Yet, she persisted, inconspicuously shattering through the glass ceiling that proved a hindrance for countless groups of minorities before her.

The beginning of Wells’ modest evolution into a pioneer for civil equality paralleled directly with her transition into higher education and the academic debate arena. Upon graduating from high school, Wells attended Wiley College, a liberal arts university in Marshall,

Texas, founded in 1873 to “educate newly freed black men” (Martin 1). Through Wells, Wiley’s preexisting purpose became realized, providing her, a socially repressed black woman, with the opportunity to work towards her own brand of personal freedom, and ultimately, the societal liberty of others succeeding her. During her initial college term, Wells’ public advocacy took shape as a result of one most unexpected source. Melvin B. Tolson, Wells’ English professor and renowned poet, actively worked to persuade the Houston native into joining the Wiley debate team, and Wells eventually conceded, becoming the team’s first female and only freshmen member (Roe 1). This seemingly inconsequential decision allowed her to challenge her station in life and to defy the lower echelon that demarcated her. Racial violence, however, continued to jeopardize the safety of Wells and her fellow debaters, forcing she and other dark-skinned participants to hide in car floorboards while traveling to competitions (Edwards 2). Despite such turbulent conditions, Wells devoted herself to the intellectual craft and refined her dexterity,

3 refusing to acknowledge racism as a deterrent or a threat. Rather, she embraced prejudice as an impetus to propel her onwards in this understated fight for civil justice.

Securing her definitive place in history, Mrs. Wells competed in a landmark debate that signified one of her most influential contributions to African American rights. In 1930, Wells participated in the first U.S. interracial collegiate debate against University of Michigan law students, “hosted at the black-owned Seventh Street Theater to allow for a mixed race crowd”

(Roe 1). An astounding milestone of racial justice within an infamously dogmatic society, this historic debate showcased Wells and her team as cultural trailblazers. “‘It was a nondecision [no decided victor] debate, but we felt at the time that it was a giant step toward desegregation,’”

Wells later commented concerning the University of Michigan debate (Martin 2). Clearly passionate about her role in advocating for an end to discrimination and societal separation,

Wells highlighted the power of debate in promoting said changes. By crossing the distinctly- drawn border of black and white and finding common intellectual ground, despite a strong societal emphasis on differences, Wells, though perhaps unconsciously, advocated for an end to racial separation and disassociation within Texas, as well as the wider United States.

Subsequent to her success as a debater, Wells showed no signs of slowing her quiet campaign for racial liberty. In 1967, after marrying Episcopal minister Wallace Wells, she became the first African American teacher at Bonner Elementary, an all-white school in Houston undergoing the process of desegregation (Bryant “Henrietta Bell” 3). Once again, Wells proved a revolutionary force in the struggle for African American liberty and civil equality. Though an ordinary woman working within an ordinary profession, she pioneered her own movement of monumental significance, the living embodiment of a single individual bringing about powerful change. In addition to her employment as a teacher and a social worker, Wells became the third

4 president of the Houston area alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, an organization with a focus on the black community (3). By leading such a respected civil rights-centered association, Wells represented the quintessence of change in an unyielding society of racial intolerance, pushing the ethnic boundaries that surrounded her since birth. Regardless of her absence from the civil activist spotlight, Mrs. Wells, throughout the entirety of her life, served as an ever-present figure destined for a place in African American cultural history.

Aside from paving the way for the civil freedom of African Americans, Wells battled for the rights of women in an inherently patriarchal society. In an unprecedented occurrence, Wells became the first black woman on the Wiley college debate team (Roe 1). Garnering such membership remained a profound accomplishment when considering the limited scope of women’s liberties during this era. Despite the plight of femininity and its stigma of weakness and fragility, Wells revealed a woman’s true grit by earning the title of college debater. “‘I was the only girl, and I was the only freshmen. [The boys] didn’t seem to mind me,’” Mrs. Wells commented (Bryant “Debate Film” 3). Though seemingly discordant within a traditionally masculine academic sport, Wells accepted her newfound position and ultimately flourished as a world-class debater, accentuating a woman’s ability to stand on equal ground with her male counterparts.

Those who personally knew Wells readily attest to her role as a beacon for all womankind. ‘“She wasn’t intimidated at all by working with young men. She just stood out,”’ remarked J. Marie McCleary, a former assistant to Tolson (5). This sentiment expresses Wells’ strength of character and bold resilience in a period that directly refuted such qualities in women.

While society expected her to bow to the superior male influence, Wells insisted instead that she stand upright alongside them. Cameron S. Wells Jr., Wells’ nephew-in-law, also observed that

5 she ‘“was a very strong-willed, independent woman … [who] stood by her own opinion’”

(Bryant “Henrietta Bell” 3). No matter the societal pressures placed on women to conform to stringent gender norms and standards, Wells remained unwilling to compromise the integrity of her disposition and, subsequently, evolved into an inspiration for other women subjugated and restrained by misogynistic authority.

Though less recognizable than some pioneers in the fight for women’s social liberty,

Wells remains an undeniably noteworthy symbol of the movement. Texas Southern University debate coach Thomas F. Freemen likened Mrs. Wells to civil activist Barbara Jordan, the first woman to travel with the TSU debate team in 1954 and followed by stating that ‘“someone has to be courageous enough to become the first… I hope that [students] get a sense of history from

[Wells] and [begin to realize] the problems faced by young people who wanted to forge ahead”’

(Bryant “Debate Film” 4). Freeman’s flattering remarks perfectly exemplify Wells’ incandescent spirit, highlighting her role in trailblazing the way for future women, regardless of their background or orientation. Just as well, this correlation to a prominent political female figure validates Wells’ relevance and significance in the ageless crusade for women’s rights.

Through her zeal for education and her willingness to struggle for the ultimate gain of knowledge, Wells also proves herself an activist for scholarship and enlightened self-expression.

‘“I was the valedictorian of my 1929 class at Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas, and I received a scholarship of fifty dollars which paid for two-quarters tuition [at Wiley

College],’” penned Mrs. Wells in a handwritten memoir (Wells 1). Clearly an intellectually driven individual, Wells’ diligence and academic success allowed her to pursue an even broader scope of education otherwise unavailable to someone of her economic standing. By acquiring this college scholarship, Wells served as an everyday paradigm, helping to stress the importance

6 of knowledge to current and future pupils. During her time on the school debate team, her schedule remained hectic, as she worked three jobs on campus, participated in daytime classes, and attended night debate practices (Martin 3). Wells expertly balanced such a staggering number of responsibilities and never once wavered from her central and fundamental focus – obtaining an education. Prepared to traverse great lengths for her pedagogic endeavors, Wells serves as a scholarly example for even the most underrepresented individuals.

A daring and dedicated proponent in the realm of education, Wells’ yearning for knowledge and inclination towards debate remained an integral part of her character, molding her into the ideal intellectual influence. ‘“I was never afraid – we had overlearned our speeches as well as the rebuttals,’” Wells wrote in reference to her involvement on the Wiley debate team

(Wells 5). Such tenacity demonstrates Mrs. Wells’ fearlessness in the educational spectrum. She remained confident in her own abilities, a steadfast spokeswoman for academic fervor and readiness. ‘“If you listen to [Wells], you can hear the debater,’” said Episcopal minister Glenice

Como, ‘“She will hold her ground with you. If she thinks she hasn’t made her point, she’ll do her research’” (Bryant “Debate Film” 4). Wells’ inclination towards intelligent rhetoric and her commitment to didactic enquiry for the advancement of education affirm her role as a pioneer of enlightenment and scholastic instruction.

Esteemed academic honors and equally admirable words of sagacity helped to cement

Mrs. Wells as an erudite model and a resplendent example for those pursuing higher knowledge.

In fact, the Houston resident received the Omega Psi Phi Colonel James E. Young Medal of

Honor, awarded for her character, scholarship, and service to Wiley College (Bryant “Henrietta

Bell” 3). Unquestionably deserving of such an accolade, Wells epitomizes the essence of persistence and scholastic resolve. This impressive distinction, presented by her own alma mater,

7 demonstrates Wells’ advocacy and promotion of intellectual sophistication within Wiley

College. ‘“Learn to speak well and learn to express yourself effectively,”’ Wells later astutely advised budding college students in an interview (Barnwell 3). The subdued magnitude of this message proves capable of resonating with any individual, encouraging others to better themselves through academic rigor and to develop their own unique voice. In a narrow-minded world, Mrs. Wells’ cognizance remains a broad expanse of quiet wisdom and modest power, motivating people within Texas communities and beyond to articulate their opinions effectually and to speak in defense of their own moral principles.

Activists and social pioneers alike remain glamorized by society, faced with continuous pressure to spur monumental change before millions of intently-watching eyes. However,

Henrietta Bell Wells, by supporting African American liberty, pressing for women’s rights, and advocating for individualism through education, effectively transformed the civil and academic landscape of Texas in an entirely unpretentious manner. Wells’ unassuming impact deserves the utmost commendation, as without her uncompromising sense of fortitude and acuity, humanity’s time-honored debate between prejudice and tolerance would lack one of its key competitors.

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Works Cited

Barnwell, Carol E. “Henrietta Wells Remembers Well ‘The Great Debaters’ – She Was One of

Them.” The Episcopal Church, Jan. 2008, https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/

article/henrietta-wells-remembers-well-great-debaters-she-was-one-them.

Bell Wells, Henrietta. “Reminiscences of Melvin B. Tolson.” National Museum of African

American History and Culture Collection, Smithsonian National Museum, Jan. 2006,

https://nmaahc.si.edu/object/nmaahc_2015.43.6ab.

Bryant, Salatheia. “Debate Film Tells Story of Henrietta Bell Wells.” Houston Chronicle, Dec.

2007, https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Debate-film-tells-story-of-

Henrietta-Bell-Wells-1823236.php.

Bryant, Salatheia. “Henrietta Bell Wells, One of the Real Great Debaters.” Houston Chronicle,

Feb. 2008, https://www.chron.com/news/houston-deaths/article/Henrietta-Bell-Wells-

one-of-the-real-Great-1768189.php.

Edwards, Tamala. “Tamala’s Ties to the ‘Great Debater’.” ABC Action News Philadelphia, Dec.

2007, https://6abc.com/archive/5847470/.

The Great Debaters. Directed by Denzel Washington, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 2007.

Martin, Douglas. “Henrietta Bell Wells, a Pioneering Debater, Dies at 96.” ,

Mar. 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/us/12wells.html.

Roe, Robin. “Wells, Henrietta Pauline Bell.” Handbook of Texas Online, Texas State Historical

Association, June 2010, https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fwe87.